The surgery to correct a torn knee ligament involves replacing the ligament with a piece of healthy tendon. A tendon from the kneecap or hamstring, for example, is grafted into place to hold the knee joint together. The tendon graft may come from the person (autograft) or from an organ donor (allograft).
The surgeon will perform the surgery using an arthroscope, a small tube-shaped instrument that is inserted into the joint. Small sockets are created in the thigh bone and shin bone, and the new ligament will be passed through the sockets and attached with an implant. New bone will eventually grow around the ligament.
After having reconstructive ACL surgery, a few people may still experience knee pain or instability. Recovering from surgery usually takes around 6 months, but it could be up to a year before you're able to return to full training for your sport.
The operation will take between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes, and will usually require an overnight stay in hospital.
